Duke Physician Assistant Program Alumni Association

Department of Community and Family Medicine Duke Physician Assistant Program Alumni Association

Duke Physician Assistant Program Alumni Magazine

Duke University n Spring 2017 Veterans Corner 3 Alumni News 4 DPAP News 24 Feature 6

Putting PAs into Practice: Profiles of alumni spanning 50 years of the profession, including an interview with two pioneers and a soon-to-be graduate

page 6

Alumni News

In Memoriam We bid farewell to two pioneers: Victor H. Germino (‘67) and James Ross Asher (‘71)

page 22

Putting PAs into Practice

Anthony Robinson, MHS, PA-C, Class of 2007 Program Director’s Corner

A new look and a tribute to the past

e surveyed, you responded and education and research that impact the we listened. This edition of the PA profession. With that in mind, our W alumni magazine captures what research team highlights health workforce alumni said they wanted in our magazine trends, patient preferences for primary — more features on alumni, updates on care provider type, and PA student salary what former classmates are doing and expectations, and our technology staff remembrances of those who have passed shares exciting news about a curriculum away. You said you wanted more photos redesign using various instructional strat- and we have tried to refresh our layout egies and technology, and the use of 3-D and look to be bright and engaging. scans and prints of organs for enhanced You indicated you wanted information and realistic visualization for students. Karen Hills, MS, PA-C, you could use in terms of trends in continued on page 27 Program Director

Duke Physician Assistant Program Department of Community and Family Medicine Telephone: 919-681-3161

J. Lloyd Michener, MD Betsy Melcher, MS, ATC, MHS, PA-C Rachel Darran Duke Physician Assistant Chair, Department of Academic Coordinator Assessment Program Coordinator Program Alumni Magazine is Community and Family Medicine [email protected] [email protected] published annually by the Duke Physician Assistant Patricia McKelvey Dieter, MPA, PA-C Jean Mesaros, PharmD, BCPS Donna Davis Program Alumni Association. PA Division Chief Assistant Consulting Professor Information Services Specialist Issues are available online at [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] cfm.duke.edu/duke-physician- assistant-program/alumni. Karen J. Hills, MS, PA-C Perri Morgan, PhD, PA-C Wendy Elwell, MS Please contact us at: PA Program Director Director of Research Admissions Program Coordinator Duke Physician [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Assistant Program, Jacqueline S. Barnett, DHSc, MSHS, PA-C Sandro Pinheiro, PhD, MA, MRE Catherine Errington DUMC 104780, Durham, NC 27710, Associate Program Director Senior Education Specialist Staff Assistant (919) 681-3161, [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Margaret Gradison, MD, MHS-CL Kenyon Railey, MD Timothy Fields Editor Medical Director Assistant Professor Staff Specialist Patricia McKelvey Dieter, [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] MPA, PA-C, division chief Lovest T. Alexander, Jr., MHS, PA-C Peggy R. Robinson, MS, MHS, PA-C Rhiannon Giles Coordinating Editor Director of Diversity and Inclusion Director of Curriculum Staff Specialist Jennifer Pennington, alumni coordinator [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Contributing Editor Lorraine Anglin, MHS, PA-C Mara Sanchez, MMS, PA-C Amanda Gunter, MS Andrea Martin, Academic Coordinator Assistant Professor Education Technology Specialist director of communications, [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Department of Community & Family Medicine Melinda Blazar, MHS, PA-C Jan Victoria Scott, MHS, PA-C Brandi Leach, MS Clinical Coordinator Associate Consulting Professor Research Analyst Planning Committee Patricia McKelvey Dieter [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Karen Hills Christine Everett, PhD, MPH, PA-C April Stouder, MHS, PA-C Irene Lynch Jacqueline Barnett Assistant Professor Director of Clinical Education Administrative Secretary Diane Spell [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Jennifer Pennington Andrea Martin Susan T. Hibbard, PhD Justine Strand de Oliveira, DrPH, PA-C Jennifer Pennington Contributing Writers Director of Assessment and Evaluation Professor Emeritus Alumni Coordinator Jamie Cook [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Sarah Harrison Andrea Martin Megan Holmes, PhD Annamarie F. Streilein, MHS, PA-C Haley Schomburg, MTS Perri Morgan Medical Instructor Director of Preclinical Education Instructional Media Designer Jennifer Pennington [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Haley Schomburg Nicholas M. Hudak, MSEd, MPA, PA-C Suzanne Scott Photography Clinical Coordinator ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Program Coordinator Duke Photography, [email protected] Maria Ayscue [email protected] Mark Garvin Photography Financial Specialist Quincy Jones, MSW, LCSW, MHS, PA-C Diane Spell Design and Layout [email protected] Hopkins Design Group Medical Instructor Administrative Manager [email protected] Michael Connery [email protected] Duke Physician Assistant Information Services Specialist Program Alumni Magazine [email protected] Jan Stem is mailed once a year to Administrative Assistant alumni, donors, and friends [email protected] of the PA program.

2 Veterans Corner

Creating stronger ties with our veteran alumni

n an effort to create stronger ties with n Next, by increasing recruitment to the our veteran alumni, the Duke Physician PA profession, it will help fill the growing IAssistant Program is taking steps to demand for health care providers. create more communication and opportu- Through this grant, we will be attempt- nities for you to get involved. Starting with ing to identify veteran-specific barriers to the Veterans Corner, a recurring alumni entry into PA school, and ways to overcome magazine column, we will use this space to them. We will accomplish this through Michael L. Steigerwald Jr., keep our veteran alumni abreast of current field research, creating partnerships with MHS, PA-C, Class of 2012 events, future activities, news items and existing veteran programs, as well as local updates. Plans for a web presence are also community colleges and military bases. in the works, so continue to check pa.duke. We will also be utilizing our current and edu for veteran alumni updates. former veteran students to aid us in this Michael L. Steigerwald, Jr., Also to this end, the PA program is build- ambitious endeavor. MHS, PA-C, is a former ing a mentorship program in which veteran In the short time the grant has been Army Combat Medic, alumni will serve as mentors for prospec- active we have completed research on cur- having served in Baghdad, tive and current veteran PA students. This rent veteran-to-PA pathways, held our first Iraq, from 2003 to 2005. program is part of a $2.3 million grant student veteran meeting, and had our first He currently practices Duke received from the Health Resources recruitment activity at Fort Jackson, S.C. emergency medicine in and Services Administration focused on Henderson, N.C., serves primary care training and enhancement. How can you help? as the assistant medical You may have heard about this grant, director for Warren County We are looking for Duke PA veteran which is a collaboration between multiple EMS, and is the former alumni across the country to mentor cur- programs at Duke and led by the PA pro- assistant medical director rent and prospective student veterans. gram, but what you might not know is that for Vance County EMS. This will be an integral part of the project a portion of it is focused solely on veterans’ that will help lay the framework for a initiatives. I have joined the team to serve model to be used by PA programs across as the veteran coordinator for the grant. the country. If interested, please email Military veterans once comprised 100 me at [email protected] for percent of the PA profession, and now we more information. make up only 3.8 percent of applicants. Additionally, if you would like to stay The White House has recognized that informed about veteran-specific alumni increasing veteran recruitment to the PA news, contact Alumni Coordinator Jennifer profession would serve two purposes: Pennington at [email protected]. n First, it would provide a viable career Thank you for your time and your service. pathway for military medics who have incredible hands-on experience, but his- torically have had difficulty translating this experience into meaningful civilian careers.

3 Physician Assistant Alumni Association Alumni News

Susan Blackwell, MHS, PA-C, Class of 1989 Chair, Duke PA Alumni Kenneth F. Ferrell and Victor H. Germino, Jr. Steering Committee Perspectives on how profession has evolved over past 50 years

n 1964, Victor H. Germino, Jr., was working at Duke University as a surgical technician and researcher in the Department of Surgery when he received Ian offer that changed his career. He was working with renowned surgeons William Anlyan, M.D., and Lenox Baker, M.D., and remembers Anlyan approaching him and suggesting he meet with the chair of the Department of Medicine, Eugene A. Stead, Jr., M.D., to talk about a new program to educate physician assistants. Anlyan thought “I fit the bill for this new profession,” Germino recalled in an interview just weeks before his death on March 1. At about the same time, Navy corpsman Kenneth F. Ferrell, stationed aboard the USS Ashland in the Caribbean, learned about Stead’s new program from a friend living in Durham who thought he fit the bill, as well. Both Germino and Ferrell met with Stead, and indeed Eugene A. Stead, Jr., M.D. they were asked to be among the first Duke PA program students. Four former Navy corpsmen comprised the first class, and three of these students — Ferrell, Germino and Richard J. Scheele — completed the program and have the distinction of being the first graduates of the program and the first working PAs in the United States.

4 PHOTO COURTESY OF DUKE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER ARCHIVES

Duke PA Class of 1967

In recognition of the 50th anniver- they were working today, they would over problems. The first PA offices sary of the PA profession this year prefer to work in primary care, family were just downstairs.” A plaque I spoke with Germino and Ferrell medicine or internal medicine. commemorating the 40th anniver- (Scheele passed away in 1970) about “I worry that PA training has gotten sary of the first graduates was placed how the profession has evolved since away from what the initial concept in Baker House on Duke’s medical 1967, what they see for the future was: to train PAs to practice in family center campus in October 2007. of PA education, and what special medicine or primary care and to prac- Ferrell also shared a memory of memories they have from those tice in underserved and poor com- Stead. “If a student or house officer first years. munities,” Germino said. “Working in told Dr. Stead that he or she didn’t Germino worked 38 years as a PA, primary care allowed me the oppor- have time to do something he thought Ferrell worked 40, and they agreed tunity to practice in places such as was important, Dr. Stead would say, ‘If there has been considerable change Kodiak, Alaska, and Uzbekistan.” you can’t get it done in 24 hours, you in the PA profession and also in PA “I really enjoyed my work as a PA,” might have to work nights.’ It seemed education since its inception in 1965. Germino continued. “I got to see such Dr. Stead never slept,” Ferrell said. “In the beginning, Dr. Stead’s interesting cases and all aspects of ill- It was wonderful talking with vision was to utilize corpsmen and nesses and trauma. I developed rela- Germino and Ferrell and I encourage medics to extend the arms and legs tionships with patients, their families each of you to read more about the of overworked physicians,” Ferrell and the entire community. I would first graduates and other pioneers said. “Now, with tremendous growth really encourage graduates to work of the Duke PA program on the and expansion, the PA profession in primary care or family medicine Physician Assistant History Society makes it possible for many more because it is so rewarding.” website at http://pahx.org/. And if people to receive the health care Germino also fondly remembered you get a chance, the next time you they need at a more affordable cost.” the early days of PA training. “The are on campus, look for the plaque “Early PA education was a pilot pro- guys in the first three classes were in Baker House that honors them. gram,” Ferrell added. “We didn’t know very close and really bonded,” he As always, many thanks to you, if the concept would survive or not. said. “We would meet on the second the alumni of the Duke Physician I thought it would do well but had no floor of Baker House – where there Assistant Program, for representing idea it would flourish like it has.” was a very large circular couch – to our profession so honorably and for Both Germino and Ferrell said if study for tests, eat lunch and talk your generous contributions. n

5 Physician Assistant Alumni Association Steven Meltzer

Steven Meltzer, PA, Class of 1977, and his wife, Christy, took a cross- country RV trip to attend the Duke Physician Assistant Program’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2015, where they enjoyed seeing old friends and classmates. Meltzer is enjoying retirement while trying to keep up with his children and grandchildren. Contact him at [email protected].

6 Alumni Profiles

Steven Meltzer, PA, Class of 1977 Retired in August 2016 from MEDEX Northwest PA Program, University of Washington Recipient of 2017 MEDEX Pioneer Award

What do you remember most Eastern Washington Area Health What do you enjoy most about about your time as a student in the Education Center (EWAHEC) in 1985. being a PA? Duke Physician Assistant Program? This was the start of my transition As I tell the students, it’s the best We had some great times during toward administration and program career in the world. We are privileged those two years; our class worked development. In 2005, I then shifted to practice medicine and impact hard but also had lots of fun. Things to teaching. individuals and families as well as that stand out: the formal dress communities. Nothing takes the code (so we looked better than the Tell us about your career at place of what happens behind those medical students!), many wonderful MEDEX Northwest. clinic room doors — we are healer, physicians, Ph.D. and PA instructors, I had been faculty at the MEDEX confessor, counselor and friend. Our great clinical rotations, and my study Northwest PA Program — the sec- impact on health care access is huge, group of Jim Quick, Randy Stevens ond-oldest PA program in the nation especially in rural and urban under- and Brooke Martin — they helped — since September 2005 and retired served communities. We add value me survive! in August 2016. MEDEX had multiple to health care systems, communities campuses and I was the assistant and health care professions. What were your career goals and director for eastern Washington, aspirations when you graduated? chaired the Professional Role What observations do you have I already knew I was interested in Development course for all sites, was about the PA profession, its place practicing in a rural area. My wife, the clinical coordinator for student in health care and its future? Christy, grew up on a wheat farm in placements in eastern Washington, When I was at Duke, we were the eastern Washington and we did a lot taught a class on rural health for first- Physician’s Associate program; we of camping and hiking and wanted year students at all the Washington still argue over the name and its that lifestyle to raise our family. sites, and assisted with any other implications. We still have to fight to Although most of my clinical rota- course that needed help. be recognized as a profession, to be tions were either at Duke University For the past five years, I had been included in federal and state poli- Medical Center, the Durham VA the co-chair of the Master’s Track cies, and accepted by our physician Hospital or with private practitioners on Rural and Urban Underserved colleagues and mentors; it can be in town, my goal was to take advan- Populations with Eric Larson, Ph.D. wearying and discouraging at times. tage of all those opportunities at a Continuing dialogue with physicians major health care center to be better Why did you become a PA? and other health care providers will prepared for rural practice. As a Navy corpsman I spent some be critical for our future success. time in the Philippines and someone Every federal and professional How did your goals and plans had left a Duke PA program catalog study in the past few years has change through the years? in the barracks. My exposure to indicated the PA profession will need I had imagined I would work in a medicine in the Navy left me very to increase even more in the next family medicine clinical setting for interested in a field that allowed PAs two decades. We are needed, we are most of my career; I enjoyed working to practice medicine with only two competent, we are affordable, we are as a solo PA in rural satellite clinics in years of training. great partners, and we care about North Carolina and Washington state I appreciated the fact that so many what we do and our patients and for almost 10 years. Roles changed PA students came from military back- communities. for me in 1984 when I began working grounds and could continue to con- with rural communities on recruit- tribute; there were no other medical ment and retention issues and then roles that ex-corpsmen could directly transitioned to the director of the move into from military service.

7 Physician Assistant Alumni Association MARK GARVIN PHOTO children. Contact Stull at [email protected]. [email protected]. at Stull Contact children. autistic with works and Florida in lives daughter younger couple’s The Duke. from classmates Stull’s of three under train to opportunity the PA had and orthopedic an also is which of older the daughters, two has couple The marriage. of years 30 celebrating are husband her and she year, This Pa. Abington, in Hospital Memorial Abington of Institute &Spine Orthopaedic the at position part-time to a of transitioned Class 1987,recently PA-C, Stull, McCafferty Jean 8

Alumni Profiles

Regina McCafferty Stull

Regina McCafferty Stull, PA-C, Class of 1987 Practices at Abington Memorial Hospital, Abington-Jefferson Health, Abington, Pa.

What do you remember most a 21-bed unit for elective total joint What do you enjoy most about about your time as a student in the and spine surgery. I was lucky being a PA? Duke Physician Assistant Program? enough to have been hired for the What I enjoy most about being a PA I remember that we worked hard opening of this unit in 2014. It has is when I’ve made a difference in and long hours and we were a good been very successful and we are someone’s day or outcome, or I’ve group that mostly got along well, and now looking to expand. In February caught something important that Reggie Carter who was so helpful 2016 I transitioned to a part-time otherwise might have been missed. along the way of my clinical year. position. I remember my first patient ever in What observations do you have my first rotation at Duke who had How have your career goals about the PA profession, its place malaria, and somehow I figured it out changed through the years? in health care and its future? and presented it during rounds my My goals have changed more recently I think ours is a profession that can first morning! as I’m getting older and I found my- always prove vital in health care. Now self anxious for a new challenge out- more than ever health care workers What were your career goals and side of my comfort zone, and wanting are being pressured to spend less aspirations when you graduated? to do something a bit different for time with patients and get them out My career goals were to work in a the later years of my career as a PA. of the hospital quickly, so it’s getting surgical field initially and then hope Taking a new role as a non-surgical more difficult to treat comprehen- to transition to an office/surgical PA and having to reacquaint myself sively. PAs, like all health care person- practice to get the full scope of with medical issues and immediate nel, are becoming very specialized. patient care before, during and after post-operative care that have long That’s not necessarily a bad thing surgery. I was very fortunate to have been left to others while I was in the but I think it’s important to stress met those goals and eventually spent OR has really been an exciting and the whole patient picture so as not 10 years in an orthopedic practice rewarding change. to compromise quality care for our in New Jersey prior to our move back patients. to Pennsylvania. Why did you become a PA? I became a PA because I wanted to Where are you currently working? help people feel better. I had been an I am currently working at Abington OR tech originally and my father was Memorial Hospital in Pennsylvania, a general surgeon; I felt more com- which is now part of Abington- fortable in the operating room than Jefferson Health. My role is to anywhere else. coordinate the care of patients in the Orthopaedic & Spine Institute,

9 Physician Assistant Alumni Association Cara Gambill

Cara Gambill, PA-C, Class of 1997, has combined her love of both sports and medicine into a career in orthopedics. She played soccer, basketball and softball in high school, and played on the inaugural Duke women’s soccer team in 1988. Gambill also was recently inducted into her high school’s athletic hall of fame. Contact Cara Gambill at [email protected].

Cara Gambill heli-hiked on the Franz Josef glacier on the South Island of New Zealand in November 2016, as part of an Active Adventures trip.

10 Alumni Profiles

Cara Gambill, MHS, PA-C, Class of 1997 Practices at Duke Orthopaedics, Page Road Outpatient Clinic, Durham, N.C.

What do you remember most in various capacities including as- about your time as a student in the sisting in surgery and also providing Duke Physician Assistant Program? inpatient and outpatient care. My fondest memories of PA school at Duke were the everlasting bond Why did you become a PA? and camaraderie that developed be- I became a PA not only to help oth- tween my classmates and me, as well ers but also to meld my passion for as our close-knit relationship and sports with medicine. During my positive interactions with the faculty. athletic career, I inevitably suffered We still get together for reunions 20 injuries requiring treatment by or- years later. thopedists. As a teenager, I worked as a transcriptionist for two local What were your career goals and orthopedists in New Jersey. They aspirations when you graduated? served a key role as my mentors and Prior to entering PA school at Duke, influenced me to pursue a career in What do you enjoy most about I knew I ultimately wanted to spe- medicine. My interest in orthopedics being a PA? cialize in orthopedics. As a Health grew as they taught me procedures As a PA, I love making a difference in Professional Scholarship recipient, in the office and allowed me to people’s lives, improving their quality I was obligated to work at a VA hospi- observe surgeries in the operating of life and enabling them to return to tal for two years after graduation. room. Because of their influence and activities by treating their acute and In order to fulfill that commitment, I guidance, I currently enjoy a career chronic injuries and pain with numer- worked in primary care at a VA hos- caring for patients of all ages with ous modalities including therapy, pital in Temple, Texas. Since 2000, hand, wrist and elbow ailments. injections, medications, immobiliza- I have worked in orthopedic surgery tion in braces or casts and surgery.

Gambill, first row second from the right, on the 1988 Duke Women’s Soccer Team What observations do you have about the PA profession, its place in health care and its future?

I thoroughly enjoy being a PA and highly recommend it to those with aspirations of becoming one. It’s one of the fastest growing professions and I don’t foresee that slowing down in years to come with the aging of the baby-boomer generation and restric- tions on resident hours.

11 Physician Assistant Alumni Association to Robinson his at Sonia. [email protected]. wife, Contact husband 5—and 4and 3, —ages ones little three his to Dad being is life in honor biggest his says He committee. selection director program the on serving by program at UNC-Chapel Hill, alma his mater, undergraduate assistant physician new the of formation the of aspect an in involved be to opportunity the had recently and years, three for N.C., Raleigh, in clinic pain chronic intervention-based an Pain, and Wake at Spine 2007, of worked has Class PA-C, Robinson, Anthony 12

DUKE PHOTOGRAPHY Alumni Profiles

Anthony Robinson

Anthony Robinson, MHS, PA-C, Class of 2007 Practices at Wake Spine and Pain, Raleigh, N.C.

What do you remember most Why did you become a PA? What observations do you have about your time as a student in the about the PA profession, its place in I first heard about the PA profession Duke Physician Assistant Program? health care and its future? my junior year in college from a fam- What I remember most was how ily member who worked in a hos- I believe there are some very positive fast paced the program was. I pital lab. When she described what and interesting developments that remember going to class all day, she saw PAs doing I was intrigued. are in the works for the physician taking a quick break and hitting I immediately did all the research I assistant profession, especially in the books all evening with my could about being a PA and reached regards to the Full Practice Authority classmates and study partners. out to some PAs to shadow. The PAs and Responsibility policy that the I’ve never been in the military but I shadowed were extremely knowl- AAPA Joint Task Force is considering. if I had to imagine academic boot edgeable, but what seemed to set Nurse practitioners and physician camp, the first year in PA school them apart was just how personable assistants often vie for the same had to be just that! and compassionate they were to their positions. Because of the strong patients. When I saw this, I knew I political support/base of nursing What were your career goals and found the correct career path. associations and unions, I believe aspirations when you graduated NPs have achieved more gains in this from the PA program? What do you enjoy most about regard. We all know that there is When I graduated from the PA being a PA? absolutely no difference in outcomes program, my main career goal was in the excellent care that both NPs I enjoy the flexibility that being a to simply put to practice all the skills and PAs provide. physician assistant provides. I can that I learned at Duke. I didn’t set out Therefore in order for PAs to perform in any clinical setting that I to have a particular pathway and I stay competitive in the job market, desire, and learn any area of medicine let God take control. I can truly say I we have to adjust our profession. I that piques my curiosity. Because of have practiced in most settings from believe many younger physicians, the well-rounded education that the the Adult and Pediatric ICU settings who have trained with NPs and PAs, Duke Physician Assistant Program to your typical 8 to 5 clinic. I love the understand just how capable PAs provided, I have a very well-rounded ability to be flexible as a physician are and would be accepting of Full career. assistant and to thrive no matter Practice Authority and Responsibility, where I am. I think now that I am especially for the experienced physi- experienced in patient care, I would cian assistant. However, I do think love to venture into the administra- that it’s extremely important that we tive/business side of health care. continue to have a commitment to team-oriented patient care.

DUKE PHOTOGRAPHY 13 Physician Assistant Alumni Association Jennifer Quigley DUKE PHOTOGRAPHY

Jennifer Quigley, PA-S, hopes to practice in an underserved community when she graduates, possibly in North Carolina, Colorado, or Washington, D.C.

14 Alumni Profiles

Jennifer Quigley, PA-S Class President, Class of 2017

What are your career goals and the profession. They enjoyed the of the unrelenting craziness of PA aspirations? work-life balance they had, the flex- school, from didactic year to clinical My passion for the underserved ibility to switch between fields, and year, and we’re still going. I’m excited grew through my experience as an the fact that they were helping close to see where we all end up in the fu- AmeriCorps volunteer in Colorado, gaps in health care in underserved ture, as I know each person’s unique where I served as a doula (birth communities. Those unique aspects gifts and talents will be utilized well coach) and health educator in a net- of the PA profession got me hooked, in the communities we serve. work of community clinics that was and I realized that being a PA would a medical home for many immigrant be the best way for me to achieve What observations do you have about the PA profession, its place in and refugee families. I plan to do those goals. health care and its future? family medicine and OB, and I would love to be able to encourage and What do you enjoy most about The PA profession is unique in the being a PA student? support future learners by teaching fact that the reason it started was on faculty at a PA program down the Right now we’re in our clinical year, to close gaps in the primary care road, whether in the U.S. or abroad. and I love being constantly challenged shortage, and it has continued to fill with new opportunities to apply our those gaps in health care to this day. Why did you want to become a PA? skills in a wide variety of clinical set- Our roots come from being creative tings. I started my year in rural North and flexible with our skills. Because I knew for a while that I wanted to Carolina for a longitudinal rotation, of this, PAs are critical members of do something in the health care field. where I enjoyed being able to use my the health care team, one of the key I loved connecting with patients and Spanish to connect with many of our roles helping to solve the puzzle of encouraging them to take charge patients. A few of my favorite things health care access in today’s political of their health goals, but I was also to do have been listening to fetal landscape. Their flexibility to switch attracted to the challenges that heart tones on my women’s health between specialties and provide came with figuring out a diagnosis rotation, giving joint injections in high-quality, compassionate, patient- and treatment plan and juggling the primary care, and suturing in the ED. centered care is extremely valuable, management of different medical especially now when access to health conditions. When I was in Colorado What will you remember most care is continually changing. after college, I volunteered and about your time as a student in the PAs are able to act as the glue worked with several members of the Duke Physician Assistant Program? within health care teams to extend health care team—medical assis- The community. There’s a unique services of physicians and provide tants, nurses, physician assistants, bond that has formed among our excellent care to patients who need doctors. In those settings, the PAs classmates. We come from different it the most. I foresee the PA profes- always stood out to me the most. backgrounds and thread together sion continuing to develop widely They loved what they did, and they various life and health care experi- throughout all fields and special- encouraged me to learn more about ences, but we are here for a shared ties, helping to enhance and expand purpose of becoming the best PAs health care delivery and access in that we can be. Together, we have the U.S. and abroad. gone through the highs and lows

15 Physician Assistant Alumni Association News from Alumni 1970s

Marcia E. Herman-Giddens (’78) Carl M. Toney (‘79) retired from has semi-retired, but is a scientific the faculty of the University of adviser for the Tick-borne Infections New England in 2011, and began Council of North Carolina, Inc., working as a Health Care Policy & and continues to work in medical Planning Consultant. In 2013, he research. was selected to serve as a consultant to the Intercultural Advisory Susan Edgman-Levitan (’77) was Council of the Maine Center for presented with the inaugural H. Grieving Children, and in 2014 Richard Nesson Award on Nov. 2, was selected as the namesake of 2016. The award was established by the Boston University School of the Massachusetts Health Quality Medicine Physician Assistant Lauren Faidley (’15) Partners (MHQP) to honor an Program Student Society – “Carl M. individual for their commitment Toney Student Society.” Toney is to using valid and reliable mea- currently the chairman of the surement to capture the patient Health Care Advisory Council, experience and integrate patients Southern Maine Agency on Aging into care improvements. and the vice-chairman of the LaDonna Brown (’09) Rick Green (’79) is semi-retired as Maine State Advisory Committee of December 2016. After graduation to the U.S. Commission on Civil he worked for 10 years as a general Rights. Nazila Shagagi (’05) surgery PA in Asheville, N.C. In 1989, he became an orthopedic distributor for spine implants and total joints. Rick was married in 1984 and has three grown children.

16 1980s 1990s 2000s

Dan Vetrosky (’81) earned a doctor- Carla Morey (‘91) has worked for Catherine (Kelso) Sadowski (’01) was ate in 2008 and was an associate Providence Medical Group in south- married in 2012 to Andrew Sadowski. professor at the University of South ern Oregon for the past 24 years. She She is currently a clinical assistant Alabama Department of PA Studies was the first PA to work in primary professor at Mercer University PA for 21 years. He retired last year from care at her practice and works with a program in Atlanta, Ga. the department but still teaches and disadvantaged population. Emily Talley (’01) works full time in works in a urology clinic part time. Rhonda Feldman (’95) has been primary care in her hometown of He was appointed to the American selected as the founding director for Santa Fe, N.M. Previously, she worked Urological Association NP/PA educa- a new PA program at Franklin College in California, Vermont and tion committee in 2016. in Franklin, Ind. She previously Massachusetts. Claudia (Furr) Cantrell (’84) worked worked as the PA program director at John Goldfield (’04)is lead PA at Rex 28 years as a PA. the University of New England. Emergency Department in Raleigh, She married Dr. Jackie Fitch (’95) currently resides in N.C. He sits on the Advanced Practice David Cantrell in Colorado, working in occupational Provider Council, the Unit Practice 2012 and is now medicine at an Army de-militarization Council and the Pharmaceutical and the author of her site where her team is in the process Therapeutics Council. first book, “Sacred of de-energizing munitions and Love: A Journey of Miguel Pineiro (’04) and Enid neutralizing mustard agent. Since Singleness, Belong- Tallmer (‘05) graduation, she has also been ing, and Finding have opened involved in firefighting and EMS. True Love,” which a bilingual was released Dec. 5, Heather Yang (‘96) was featured on primary care 2016. Cantrellministries.com BuzzFeedVideo in October 2016, clinic in speaking about her road to obtaining Raleigh, Edwin Cowey (‘86) and Jane Jevons an education. https://www.youtube. N.C., that (‘86) are now working part-time as com/watch?v=tiQsJmPBlZc focuses PAs. They recently purchased property on serving in Las Olas, Ecuador, and hope to Douglas DiRuggiero (’97) credits the the Latino population in the area. retire there within the next few years. Duke PA program with giving him the www.famhealthclinic.com. Pineiro tools and passion to accomplish his Wesley Thompson (’87) continues has been named a member of the career goals, most notably the estab- his work in serving the HIV/AIDS PAEA End-of-Rotation Exam Develop- lishment of the Free Clinic of Rome in population. In 2016, Thompson was ers Committee for the Family Medi- Rome, Ga., in 2003. He reports that recognized by POZ magazine in the cine/Internal Medicine exams. the full-time clinic is completely run POZ 100, a list that celebrates people by volunteer health care professionals working to end the HIV/AIDS and now sees more than 600 unique epidemic. patients per month. Andrew McCorison (’88) has worked at the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Center (ADATC) in Butner, N.C., for the past five years. He has two grandchildren: Madalyn, born Dec. 4, 2013, and Liam, born Feb. 4, 2016.

17 Physician Assistant Alumni Association News from Alumni

Nazila Shagagi (’05) was featured in a LaDonna Brown (’09) has a 6-year-old cover story son named entitled, Bryson Coats. “The robot She was will see you engaged to now,” in the Andrecious September Clark on 2016 issue of Oct. 15, 2016, PA Profes- and has a sional wedding magazine. planned for June 2017. Jamie (Davidson) Canino (’06) was married to Thomas Canino in 2010. She now lives in Boulder, Colo., and has been practicing in an emergency room for the past five Quante Greenlee (’09) graduated with WHAT WILL years. They have two sons: Alex, 4, a master of public health from the YOU TEACH and Christian, 2 ½. University of North Texas Health Science Center in May 2016. In August THE LEADERS OF Veronica (McKay) Heath (‘06) has 2016, he began working toward a TOMORROW? been living in Oregon since April doctorate in health studies with focus 2013. She currently works at Gunder- CONNECT WITH DUKE ALUMNI on population health at Texas sen Health in the Department of IN YOUR FIELD. Woman’s University. Neurosciences seeing movement Get started here. disorder patients, and is involved in Kim Howard (’09) and her husband, ALUMNI.DUKE.EDU their deep brain stimulation program Christopher YOUR COMMUNITY OF INFINITE POSSIBILITY for refractory cases. Klindt, welcomed Babee Angelynne Mitchell (’07) baby girl opened her own clinic on Dec. 1, 2016, Eleanor June called Ideal Family Medicine, LLC in Klindt on Palmer, Alaska. Nov. 11, Eric Guajardo (’08) and his wife, 2016. Rachel, celebrated the birth of their

third child, Avi Maier Guajardo, on Kathryn Stovall (’09) published an June 22, 2016. article entitled “Current recommenda- Jennifer (Herlihy) Beatty (’09) and her tions for treating autosomal dominant husband, Gary, have two children: polycystic kidney disease” in the Maeve, 3, and Rory, 16 months. Beatty December 2016 issue of the Journal of has been working at Brigham and the American Academy of Physician Women’s Hospital in general surgery Assistants. since graduation in 2009. In 2016, she was the PA Recognition Award recipient for Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

18 2010s

Antonia (Soiney) Gragg (’10) and her Lisa Langmesser (’13) and her Katie (Stern) Thompson (’14) and her husband, Ray, welcomed baby girl husband, Tom, had a baby girl, husband, JJ, welcomed son Jack on Julia in August 2016. Gragg is currently Victoria, on Sept. 9, 2016. Langmesser May 25, 2016. They live in Greensboro, working in neurosurgery at Oregon works at Vanderbilt University in the N.C., where Thompson works as a PA Health and Science University. adult urology department. in cardiology.

Lacee (Leach) Wilkinson (’11) and Terri McGuire (’13) began working as Lauren Faidley (’15) was married to her husband, Chris, welcomed their a PA at American University Student Mike Sano on June first baby, Mari Rose Wilkinson, on Health Center in January 2017. 18, 2016, at Veritas Oct. 24, 2016. She also works part-time as a research Vineyard & Winery clinician with Whitman-Walker in Afton, Va. She is Cindy Puckett (’11) was married to Health in Washington, D.C. currently working Dr. Pavan Chava on March 11, 2017. at Wake Gastroen- She is currently a guest lecturer at the Elizabeth Riddle (’13) and her husband, terology in Raleigh, LSU New Orleans Physician Assistant Scott, are living in Westminster, N.C. Program. Colo. She currently works in primary care and internal medicine at the Carla Longanecker (’15) and Jason Westminster Kaiser Clinic. Black (’15) were engaged on July 30, 2016, and are Sydney Townes-Witzel (’13) was planning an married to Chris Harasym on June 26, October 2017 2016, in Ottawa, Canada. wedding in Cortney Bax (’14) married Jake Destin, Fla. They Bloom on Oct. 1, 2016. They live in both currently Des Moines, Iowa, where she works in work in hospital- hematology and oncology. ist medicine at the University of Megan (Barrus) Gentry (‘14), Colorado. president of the Lisa (Shubert) MackNair (’12) and Class of 2014, Dorothy (Ferguson) Scifres (’15) was husband Andrew MackNair (’12) married Jacob married to Rob Scifres on Dec. 3, 2016, welcomed baby boy Gabriel Wilhelm Gentry in in Greensboro, N.C. MackNair on May 31, 2016. Cascade, Kayla Baisch (’16) was married to Idaho, on Kirsten (Frostad) Gutschenritter Colton McKinney on Dec. 15, 2016, Oct. 1, 2016. (’13) was married in October 2016 to in Jamaica. Kenny Gutschenritter. She works was as a hospitalist PA for Novant Health Julia (Paquette) Parsons (’16) married to Todd Parsons on Nov. 5, in Kinston, N.C. Jason Hoyle (’14) and his wife, 2016. n Andrea, announced the birth of their first children, twins Benjamin and Alexander, on May 23, 2016.

Jenna Staples (’14) and her husband, Dave, welcomed son Nico Alexander Staples, on Oct. 10, 2016.

19 Physician Assistant Alumni Association Congratulations to the Duke PA program’s newest alums

embers of the Duke Physician hooding ceremony at the Washington MAssistant Program Class of 2016 Duke Inn in Durham. became our newest class of alumni The Class of 2016 included 89 and your PA colleagues on Aug. 5, graduates — 63 women and 26 men, 2016, when they received their ranging in age from 23 to 47 years old. certificates in a ceremony at the Duke The class represented 27 states, and Physician Assistant Program. The Class about 30 graduates resided in North of 2016 was awarded master of health Carolina at the time of enrollment. sciences degrees from Duke University on May 15, 2016, during a diploma and

20 Congratulations to the Duke PA program’s newest alums

As of February 2017, 97 percent of the new graduates were employed as

PAs in 20 states. Over 50 percent of Susan Blackwell, MHS, PA-C and the class took their first jobs in North 2016 Maria M. del Valle-Torres, MHS, PA-C Carolina, including 18 who took positions at Duke or Duke-affiliated Distinguished practices. n Alumnus of the Year Emergency Medicine Maria M. del Valle-Torres, MHS, PA-C, was honored as the 2016 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year at the Duke PA cer- Surgery tificate ceremony on Aug. 5, 2016. Del Valle Torres graduated from the Duke Physician Assistant Program in 2009. Prior to 15% entering the PA program, she earned a bachelor of science 27% in psychology from University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio, in 1982, and a master of science in physiology from North Members of the Carolina State University in Raleigh, N.C., in 1989. Del Valle- Duke PA Class of 2016 are employed as PAs Torres worked in research and laboratory roles leading up to in the following her PA education. distribution: In 2009, del Valle-Torres began her career as a PA working 29% at Duke’s Division of Neurosurgery. Since 2011 she has worked 34% as a PA with Shepherd’s Care Medical Clinic in Zebulon, N.C., where she provides medical care as a solo practitioner in a

Primary Care community health setting to underserved populations. (family medicine, pediatrics, general internal medicine) Additionally, del Valle-Torres has a passion for global health Internal Medicine and has volunteered her time and resources as a leader for subspecialties the Women’s and Maternal Health Initiative under the 410 Bridge Development organization; as a member of the medical team for the Carolinas Honduras Health Foundation; as a member of the Duke Uganda Neurosurgery Team; and as a board member, medical provider and translator for Hands of Compassion mobile clinics in Ecuador, South America. She also traveled to Cuba last spring with the Duke PA program as part of the MEDICC people-to-people exchange and believes strongly in the importance of global health experiences. As a result, del Valle-Torres and her husband provided initial funding for and continuing support of a global health scholarship to help provide rich experiences for Duke PA students interested in global work. n

21 Physician Assistant Alumni Association In Memoriam

Victor Hugo Germino (’67) Later he worked as a surgical re- he established PRN Medical Services, search coordinator at the Durham VA a company that provided contract Victor Hugo Medical Center on a research project medical services to clinics, hospitals Germino, about rejection after intestinal and and businesses in North Carolina. He a member liver transplantation. Moving back owned and operated this corporation of the first to clinical practice, he worked in the until his retirement in 2005. class of student and employee health center Germino was a charter member of physician at UNC-Chapel Hill. the American Academy of Physician assistant As one of the first PAs commis- Assistants and was inducted into the students sioned as a warrant officer in the U.S. Duke PA Program Alumni Hall of Fame at Duke Coast Guard in 1974, Germino pro- in 2009. University vided primary medical care to Coast A celebration of Vic’s life was held and one of Guard personnel and their families at March 8, 2017, at the North Carolina the first Coast Guard bases in Kodiak, Alaska, Academy of Physician Assistants (The practicing Clearwater, Fla., and Seattle. He was Stead Center) in Durham. PAs in the nation, died unexpectedly based for three years in Seattle, serv- but peacefully on March 1, 2017, at ing as the only medical officer on the the age of 78. icebreaker USCG Polar Sea. During n n n n n Germino, a Durham, N.C., na- this time he participated in search tive, was in the inaugural class of PA and rescue operations, administered students at Duke and graduated from emergency/trauma care and served as , of Dayton, the program in 1967. He was widely James Ross Asher (’71) project medical officer for the Nation- Ohio, died on Sept. 19, 2016, at the recognized as a pioneer of PA educa- al Science Foundation International age of 87. He was one of the first PAs tion and of the profession. Antarctic Inspection Team in 1980, to practice in the state of Ohio and a Germino completed his bachelor participating in polar research stud- “pioneer” of the Duke PA program. of arts from Columbia College in Co- ies during Arctic and Antarctic Deep A service was held on Oct. 13, 2016, at lumbia, Mo., and graduate coursework Freeze projects. the Dayton National Cemetery. in the MPA program at Golden Gate After leaving active duty in the University in San Francisco, Calif. U.S. Coast Guard, he returned to Captain Emmett Noll (’72), of Miller- After serving in the U.S. Navy as a North Carolina to work on an NIH stown, Pa., died on June 11, 2016, at medical corpsman, he began work at AIDS clinical trials project, and later the age of 73. Noll was awarded the Duke University Medical Center in as a clinical trials compliance audi- Navy Commendation Medal for his clinical research with William An- tor during the 1980s. For the next service as a U.S. Navy corpsman in lyan, M.D., and on renal transplanta- 25 years, Germino spent most of Vietnam. After completing the Duke tion with Del Stickel, M.D., which led his time in occupational medicine, PA program, he earned a master’s him to be recruited to the PA program working in a variety of roles – every- degree in health administration from by Eugene A. Stead, Jr., M.D., founder thing from medical provider on the the University of North Carolina and of the profession. Alaskan oil pipeline to chief medi- became a career officer in the U.S. After graduation from the PA cal officer for an open-pit gold mine Public Health Service, achieving the program, he remained at Duke to project in Uzbekistan. After working rank of captain. A service was held on help coordinate the North Carolina as a physician assistant for a number June 18, 2016, at Riverview Cemetery Byssinosis Project that focused on of pharmaceutical and construction in Millerstown. lung disease in cotton textile workers. companies in Research Triangle Park,

22 Carroll Poppen (’72), of De Smet, S.D., Harry Alexander Newman, Jr. (’73) and his family to Alaska, Maine, died on Dec. 21, 2015. He was 68. of Mt. Pleasant, S.C., died on July 28, Washington, Minnesota and several Prior to coming to Duke, he was a 2015. He was 86. Prior to completing Midwestern Indian reservations. U.S. Navy corpsman. He worked for the Duke PA program, he was a While working full-time for an HMO 38 years as a PA at Mayo Clinic in graduate of the University of Florida in Olympia, Wash., he earned a law otorhinolaryngology. He gave lectures, with degrees in business administration degree from the University of Puget participated in writing professional and health sciences. After completing Sound in Tacoma, Wash. publications, and taught as an assistant the PA program, he moved to Caranavi, Bruce Wayne Wood (’85), of Benson, professor at Mayo. Poppen also served Bolivia, for four years to offer medical N.C., died on May 28, 2015, at age 62. as president of the Minnesota Acad- services. He also worked as a family Prior to coming to Duke, he worked emy of Physician Assistants in 1975 practice PA in Lawndale, N.C., and as an EMT, a firefighter, and a police and 1995. A memorial service was then moved to Atlanta to work as a officer in Fayetteville, N.C. After held on Dec. 28, 2015, at American field representative of the United graduating from the PA program, he Lutheran Church in De Smet. Methodist Board of Global Ministries became a family medicine PA. A for the Southeastern Jurisdiction. A Kenneth Ryther (’72), of Delta memorial service was held on June 7, celebration of his life was held at Point Junction, Alaska, died on April 6, 2016, 2015, in Benson. Hope United Methodist Church in Mt. at the age of 70. Prior to coming to Pleasant on Aug. 1, 2015. Lanny Mark Beaty (’91), of West End, Duke, he was a U.S. Navy corpsman. N.C., died July 26, 2016, at the age Ryther was the first care provider John Patrick Hawley (’77), of Hubert, of 60. He worked at Duke University when the Delta Junction Medical N.C., died on May 21, 2014. He was Medical Center for 20 years, first as a Clinic opened in 1972 and practiced 68. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air lead respiratory therapist and then as there until 1984, when he opened Force prior to working as a PA. Funeral a physician assistant. He relocated to Jarvis Medical Clinic. Ryther served as services were held on May 28, 2014, in the Sandhills, where he worked at a volunteer fireman, an EMT, and was Swansboro, N.C. Pinehurst Surgical Clinic as a cardio- mayor of Delta Junction in 1975. He Shelby Lee Todd (’77), of Durham, thoracic PA, and then worked as a was the first president of the Alaska N.C., died on Nov. 23, 2015, at the age cardiology PA at WakeMed. A memo- Academy of Physician Assistants. A of 72. He was a member of the U.S. Air rial service was held on Aug. 1, 2016, memorial service was held on May 23, Force and served during the Vietnam in Southern Pines, N.C. 2016 in Delta Junction. War. At the time of his death, he was Jennifer Lynn Brusa (’09), of Raleigh, Kenneth Alois Kozbiel (’73), of Saint employed by Measurements Incorpo- N.C., died on Aug. 11, 2016. She was Augustine, Fla., died on Sept. 29, 2016, rated. A funeral service was held on 35. After completing the Duke PA at the age of 81. Kozbiel served 24 Nov. 29, 2015, in Durham. program, she practiced as a hospitalist years in the United States Coast Guard David A. Lieberman (’82), of Kosh- at Nash General Hospital in Rocky prior to enrolling in the Duke PA konong, Mo., died on June 6, 2016, Mount, N.C. Memorial gatherings program. After earning his bachelor’s at the age of 62. Prior to coming to were held in Durham, N.C., on Aug. degree at Duke, he earned a master of Duke, he completed his bachelor of 21, 2016, and in Barre, V.T., on Sept. science in psychology and counseling arts degree at St. Cloud State and 25, 2016. n from Troy University, a bachelor of arts then earned a bachelor of health in theology from Saint Leo University, sciences at the University of Wisconsin and a master of arts in divinity from – Madison. His practice took him Springhill College. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Oct. 15, 2016.

23 Physician Assistant Alumni Association Faculty & Staff News

Justine Strand de Oliveira New Staff retires from Duke Timothy Fields joined the Duke Physician Justine Strand de Oliveira, DrPH, PA-C, DFAAPA (’81), former Assistant Pro- division chief and program director of the gram in October Duke Physician Assistant Program and the 2016 as the 2014 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, has preclinical year stepped down from her role as vice chair for staff specialist. education in the Department of Community Prior to joining and Family Medicine and retired from Duke the PA staff, he effective Feb. 1, 2017. Strand de Oliveira has worked at Duke accepted a faculty position as professor of Counseling and physician associate studies, Barts and The Psychological Services with the London School of Medicine and Dentistry/ Psychology Internship Program. Institute of Health Sciences Education, and continues to work part-time with the Duke PA program in admissions, preclinical teaching and research activities. New Faculty After graduating from the Duke PA program in 1981, Strand Lorraine Anglin, MHS, PA-C (’08), de Oliveira began her career as a PA at the Sunrise Community joined the Health Center in Greeley, Colo. From 1982 to 1984, she worked in faculty of the Mambucaba, Brazil, where she holds permanent residency status, Duke Physician as a medical liaison. Upon her return to the United States in 1984, Assistant Pro- Strand de Oliveira moved to Austin, Texas, where she worked for gram in July 10 years at Austin Regional Clinic. 2016 as an Strand de Oliveira moved back to Durham, N.C., in 1994, academic where she worked as a PA and served as the director of general coordinator. In health services at the Durham County Health Department for her faculty role, three years. She earned her master of public health in 1998 and she participates her doctor of public health in 2008, both from the UNC Gillings in the planning, development and School of Global Public Health. evaluation of the preclinical year Strand de Oliveira served as the Duke PA division chief from curriculum. She lectures and coordi- 1999 to 2012 and as program director from 2001 to 2003. In 2012, nates laboratory sessions within the she became the first PA to serve as a departmental vice chair at Diagnostic Methods course and Duke. She most recently worked clinically as an OB provider for actively participates in other educa- ® a CenteringPregnancy prenatal care group at the Duke Family tional sessions throughout the first Medicine Center in Durham, N.C. and second years of the program. Strand de Oliveira is a past president of the Physician Assistant Prior to joining the faculty, Anglin Education Association (PAEA), is an emerita member of the North practiced clinically in primary care Carolina Institute of Medicine, and is a past president of the North where she enjoyed providing whole- Carolina Medical Society Foundation. She is a distinguished fellow person care to people of all ages. She of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (DFAAPA) and a completed the Clinical Education member of Pi Alpha, the national physician assistant honor soci- and Faculty Development fellowship ety. She was recognized as the Outstanding PA of the Year by the American Academy of Physician Assistants in 2005. n

24 Meet Your Duke PA Alumni Team in 2013-2014 and is invested in Coast University in Fort Myers, the education of future physician Fla., teaching undergraduate and assistants. Her areas of clinical graduate courses. She is a mixed and educational interest include methods researcher and has active learning, cultural compe- worked on numerous educational tence, shared decision making, evaluations, research and accredi- and chronic disease prevention tation projects. and management. Her research Hibbard earned a doctorate in interests include the primary care educational measurement and evaluation from the University PA workforce and factors that of South Florida, specializing in influence specialty choice. research on evaluation and the Anglin received her master of practice of evaluation. Prior to health sciences degree and physi- becoming an evaluator Hibbard cian assistant certificate in 2009 earned a bachelor’s degree in from the Duke PA program. Prior chemistry and a master’s degree to that, she earned a bachelor in science education. Hibbard also of science in microbiology from worked at Perry’s Ice Cream in PA Alumni Coordinator Jennifer Colorado State University. Upstate New York as a laboratory Pennington and PA Division Chief Susan T. Hibbard, Ph.D., MS, technician where she was required Pat Dieter, MPA, PA-C, work together joined the to test and taste ice cream. closely to meet the needs of alumni. Duke Physi- Pennington heads the coordination cian Assistant Faculty News for this magazine, organizes all of the Program in alumni events, including those at the January 2017 Lovest Alexander, Jr., MHS, PA-C PA annual conferences, and ensures as the (’78), assistant professor of com- that alumni requests for credential- Director of munity and family medicine and ing documentation are met quickly. Assessment & director of diversity and inclusion Kudos to Pennington for her steadfast Evaluation. for the Duke Physician Assistant work in these areas! She is also a major She will work Program, received a Duke Diversity player in preceptor relations for our with faculty and staff to develop Award on Nov. 1, 2016, during a clinical rotations. She and Pat Dieter evaluation and assessment tools for luncheon at the Sarah P. Duke meet regularly to review alumni com- the PA program and conduct Gardens’ Doris Duke Center. The munication, ensure that PA scholar- education research on teaching award recognizes a Duke employee ship donations are recorded and and learning in PA education and who demonstrates a respect and acknowledged, and plan how best to the medical and health value for differing backgrounds keep alumni involved in the ongoing professions. and points of view. development of the PA program. As Before arriving at Duke, Hib- the first PA program in the country, we bard worked as the director of Karen J. Hills, MS, PA-C, director value our history and our relationship effectiveness and accountability of the Duke PA program, was with our over 2,500 alumni! n at Florida SouthWestern State promoted to professor of commu- College in Fort Myers, Fla., and nity and family medicine. n as assistant professor of research and evaluation at Florida Gulf

25 Physician Assistant Alumni Association Duke PA students travel to Cuba to explore the country’s health care system

By Jamie Cook, Duke Community & Family Medicine Communications Intern

ast April, Duke Physician Assistant to their specific address. The trip al- can impact health at the community L Program students enrolled in the lowed the group to interact and learn level, and that they might better course “Public Health and Healthcare from the doctors and nurses working implement the public health aspects in Cuba,” along with faculty and in these clinics. of the health care provider role,” some practicing PAs, took a week-long Each day of the seven-day trip, the Morgan says. trip to Cuba to explore the country’s group was guided by two Cuban phy- The trip provided students with universal health care system. sicians and participated in sessions evidence that the American way of Cuba’s health care system is much that involved lectures and exploring providing medicine is not the only different from the United States, health care facilities like the “Grand- way that works, says Lucy Angle, a which is what made the trip so ben- parents’ Home,” a day program for the 2016 Duke PA program graduate. eficial for PA students, says Perri Mor- elderly. Evening hours were left open “It was amazing to see a system in gan, Ph.D., PA-C, one of the faculty for the students to explore Cuba and a country less wealthy than ours that advisers on the trip and lead professor soak up Cuban culture. was offering these services to all who of the course. According to Morgan, professor of needed them, when I had seen patients “In the U.S. we think of public community and family medicine and in the U.S. who, for lack of funds, sim- health and health care as being director of the PA Research Group, ply went without,” Angle says. separate,” Morgan says. “Cuba has the trip and the course were designed The trip to Cuba was the first for no distinction between the two.” to give PA students a broader idea of Duke PA but Morgan is hopeful that Second-year PA students in the what health care on a community more classes will be able to have a elective course gained knowledge on level could look like. similar experience in the future. The the structure and implementation of “I hope that they [the students] Duke PA program worked with the Cuba’s health care system, which is will define their roles more broadly nonprofit organization Medicc, which designed for every person to have a because of this experience and will organizes educational health care doctor and a clinic that provides care have a stronger vision of how they exchanges to Cuba. n

26 Duke PA Faculty Publications n continued from page 2 We celebrate 50 years of the Morgan P, Everett CM, Humeniuk KM, Valentin, V. PA profession with this issue. As Specialty choice among US physician assistants: part of that tribute, we check in Distribution, salaries, and comparison to physicians. with alumni from the past five JAAPA 2016, 29(4): 38-43. decades, including Steven Meltzer (’77), Jean McCafferty Stull (’87), Everett CM, Martinez-Bianchi V, Morgan P, Gradison M, Hills K, Cara Gambill (’97) and Anthony Weigle NJ, Dieter PM, Hull S, Strand de Oliveira J, Michener L. Robinson (’07), and give a nod to Dr Carek’s Commentary on Training PAs and NPs. future graduates as Class of 2017 Fam Med 2016;48(9):742-743. president Jennifer Quigley shares Pavon, JM, Pinheiro SO, and Buhr, GT. her hopes for her future in the Resident learning across the full range of core competencies profession. through a transitions of care curriculum. The issue also includes an Gerontol Geriatr Educ. 2016: 1-16 (online first). interview with two graduates from our inaugural Class of 1967 Everett CM, Morgan P, Jackson G. — Victor H. Germino and Kenneth Patient characteristics associated with primary care PA and APRN roles. F. Ferrell — who give their per- JAAPA 2016 (online first). spectives on how the PA profession has changed in 50 years. Hudak NM, Melcher BQ. Germino has since passed and we Interprofessional Experiences and Competencies on Clinical are so grateful for his pioneering Rotations: Preceptors’ Perspectives of Student Experiences. spirit and his service to the PA Journal of Physician Assistant Education. 2016:27(4):187-190. profession.

Railey MT, Railey KR, Hauptman PJ. The Duke PA program is always Reducing Bias in Academic Search Committees. striving to provide leadership JAMA, 2016; 316:2595-2596. and excellence in PA education. In 2017, we will graduate the Class Syed Q, Pinheiro SO, Factora R. of 2017, send the Class of 2018 Reflective Writing to Teach Interdisciplinary Management out on clinical rotations, welcome of Delirium to Internal Medicine Residents. the Class of 2019 to the program, J Grad Med Educ. 2016; 8(5): 785-786. have our continuing accreditation Everett CM, Morgan P, Jackson G. site visit and begin the admissions Physician assistants and advance practice nurse roles: process for the Class of 2020. Our patient healthcare utilization, unmet need, and satisfaction. community of students, faculty, Healthcare 2016 (in press). staff and alumni are what makes being part of this historic pro- Leach B, Gradison M, Morgan P, Everett CM, gram so special. n Dill M, Strand de Oliveira J. Patient Preference in Primary Care Provider Type. Healthcare 2017 (in press).

27 Physician Assistant Alumni Association HRSA awards Duke $2.3 million grant; Karen Hills and PA program to lead project

By Sarah Harrison, Duke Community & Family Medicine Communications Intern

he Health Resources and Services Key personnel include: Administration (HRSA) has awarded T Karen J. Hills, MS, PA-C, project director Duke University an approximate $2.3 Sandro Pinheiro, Ph.D., co-project director million grant for primary care training and enhancement. Justine Strand de Oliveira, DrPH, PA-C, professor emeritus, Led by the Duke Physician Assistant Department of Community and Family Medicine, Program, the project will be a col- member, executive committee laboration between the Department Jacqueline S. Barnett, DHSc, MSHS, PA-C, of Community and Family Medicine, assistant professor, Department of Medicine, Department Department Community and Family Medicine, of Pediatrics, Duke University School and associate director for the Duke PA Program, of Nursing and Duke University School member, executive committee of Medicine MD program. Sharron Rushton, MSN, MS, RN, CCM, Karen J. Hills, MS, PA-C, professor of assistant professor, Duke University School of Nursing, community and family medicine and member, executive committee director of the Duke PA program, is proj- Heather S. McLean, M.D., ect director and Sandro Pinheiro, Ph.D., associate professor and vice chair for quality, associate professor of medicine and Department of Pediatrics, member, executive committee senior education specialist for the Duke PA program, is co-project director. Working Group personnel include: The five-year project, “Transforming Health Care through Enhanced Clinical Kathleen (Katy) W. Bartlett, M.D., Team Training (THCECTT),” aims to “en- associate professor and associate residency director, gage learners and faculty in collaborative Department of Pediatrics projects to improve population health Administrative and technical support: through practice- and community-based Kate Holeman, interprofessional quality improvement Department of Community and Family Medicine (QI). Medical doctor (MD), nurse practi- Andrea Martin, senior public relations specialist, tioner (NP), and physician assistant (PA) Department of Community and Family Medicine student triads will work with clinical , educational technologist, preceptors and program faculty on QI Amanda Gunter, MS Department of Community and Family Medicine projects, in an innovative team-based clinical learning model that addresses Other significant contributors include: the crisis in access to clinical learning. Didactic curricula will address popula- Melinda Blazar, MHS, PA-C, tion health, QI, cultural competence, assistant professor and clinical coordinator, health information technology and Duke Physician Assistant Program community engagement. A veterans’ liai- Sharon Hull, M.D., MPH, professor, son will enhance military veterans’ entry Department of Community and Family Medicine to the program and coordinate support Barbara Sheline, M.D., MPH, professor, to improve veterans’ experience and suc- Department of Community and Family Medicine n cess as PA students and graduates.”

28 Duke PA Research Group marks successes in 2016

he Duke Physician Assistant Program Research Group finished 2016 on a high note, with the publication T of a number of groundbreaking studies, a sweep of the research awards at the Physician Assistant Education Association annual conference, and a historic grant award from the National Institutes of Health.

Highlights include:

National job posting study. The Duke sweeps PAEA research awards. Historic award. Christine Everett, group is among the first researchers Two Duke Physi- Ph.D., MPH, PA-C, assistant professor to use job postings data to examine cian Assistant of community and family medicine health workforce trends. A national Program faculty at the Duke Physician Assistant Pro- analysis of 2014 online job postings received awards gram, is the first physician assistant for PAs, published in Medical Care at the Physician faculty member in the United States Research and Review and presented at Assistant Educa- to receive a National Institutes of several conferences, showed that the tion Association Health (NIH) grant. She is the recipi- job market for PAs is stronger in spe- Conference in ent of a K01 grant awarded by the cialties than in primary care. These October. Perri National Institute of Aging to study findings suggest that, in addition Christine Everett, Morgan, Ph.D., “Impact of Primary Care Clinician to lower salaries for PAs in primary Ph.D., MPH, PA-C PA-C, professor Interdependence and Coordination care, job availability may be a barrier of community on Quality of Care Delivered to to attaining policy goals of increas- and family med- Complex Older Patients with Diabe- ing the proportion of PAs choosing icine and direc- tes.” The project is funded from Aug. primary care. Additional analyses on tor of research 1, 2016, to April 30, 2021. Everett’s this topic are ongoing. for the Duke PA long-term goal with the project is to program, and improve chronic illness care for older Patient preferences for primary Christine Ever- complex patients through identifica- care provider type. This project ett, Ph.D., MPH, tion and implementation of effec- analyzed patients’ reasons for prefer- PA-C, assistant tive primary care teams, including ring a physician or an NP or PA as Perri Morgan, professor of physician assistants (PAs) and nurse their primary care provider, finding Ph.D., PA-C community practitioners (NPs). that although both groups of patients and family medicine, were honored most frequently mentioned provid- Ongoing work in 2017 includes com- for having made noteworthy contri- ers’ qualifications as their top reason, pletion of a study examining medi- butions to PA education and the PA those preferring NPs or PAs were cal records of more than 400,000 profession. Morgan, with Everett and more likely to highlight the provid- veterans with diabetes to compare Esther Hing, MPH, received Article er’s interpersonal skills. quality and cost of care depending of the Year Award for the Healthcare on whether the primary care provider PA student salary expectations article “Nurse Practitioners, Physician is a PA, NP or physician. vary by gender. Using data from a Assistants, and Physicians in Com- national survey of matriculating PA munity Health Centers, 2006-2010.” For more information about the students, the research group found Everett received the Research Achieve- research group, visit https://cfm. that women PA students expect lower ment Award for her commitment to duke.edu/duke-physician-assistant- salaries than their male classmates, innovative, precise methodology and program/research. n even after adjustment for other fac- her ability to collaborate on impactful tors, including specialty intent and research with colleagues across the socioeconomic background. Implica- spectrum of health care. tions of this work are that one way to address gender salary discrepancies may be to educate students about realistic earnings potential.

29 Physician Assistant Alumni Association Latest technology at Duke PA program

For over 50 years, the Duke Physician Assistant Program has provided an exceptional education. Attending Duke means learning from leading professionals through a curriculum that is tried and tested, producing graduates with excellent PANCE pass rates and job placement. As we plan for the next 50 years of PA education, we want to continue leading as educators. To this end, faculty and staff are blending technological innovation into our instruction and culture to improve student engagement across a diverse spectrum of learning styles.

Some examples of this innovation include:

Curriculum Redesign 3-D Scanning and Printing Research and Technology Educational Technologist Amanda Instructor Megan Holmes, Ph.D., is Consultations Gunter, MS, works directly with faculty working with Justin Gladman, Brandi Tuttle, research and education to redesign existing curriculum using microCT engineer at Duke’s Shared librarian for the Duke University various instructional strategies and Materials Instrumentation Facility, to Medical Center Library & Archives technology. Most recently, Gunter create high-quality 3-D scans of and liaison to the Duke PA program, worked with Clinical Coordinator various organs as part of her 2017 teaches classes within the Duke PA Melinda Blazar, MHS, PA-C, and Anatomy course redesign. These curriculum and provides research Instructional Media Designer Haley scans will be turned into digital and technology consultations. She Schomburg, MTS, to develop an models to provide enhanced, realis- provides instructional multimedia, e-learning module on Routine tic visualization for students. Then teaches students and faculty how to Obstetrics Care. And through various Schomburg, utilizing Duke’s new efficiently generate bibliographies for collaborations with faculty, Schomburg Innovation Co-Lab, will 3-D print papers and research projects, and has more than 30 instructional videos various organs from these scans for provides guidance on a number of in progress for 2017. hands-on study. clinical tools and mobile apps.

Classroom Technology Upgrades Students are benefiting from a recent classroom upgrade, headed by Infor- mation Services Specialists Mike Connery and Donna Davis, AAS. Next, Connery and Davis will update all faculty and staff computers to Win- dows 10, as well as upgrade technology in the conference and breakout rooms throughout the building. n

30 Contributions to the Alumni Scholarship Fund

We thank all of our donors who have given to the PA scholarship fund and gifts at any level make a difference. Below we recognize our donors giving at the Member level and higher.

Endowment Donors Friend Member Karol Kochsmeier (‘89) Robert E. Buchanan Fund Gail Albergo (‘02) Lovest (‘78) and Carol Kuhn (‘77) (Marie Wiles ’05) Rob Bednar (‘05) Peggy Alexander Erin Kunz (‘07) Nancy and James Hill, Jr. (’76) Cardiac First-Assist, Inc. Bruce (‘78) and Kim Bair David (‘68) and Ruth Lowe Margo and Andrew Illobre (’87) Jamie Carter (‘04) James (‘76) and Donna Baither Sheryl (‘89) and Walter and Frances Maytham Chuck (‘84) and Nancy Cuttic Carrie (‘02) and Rolf Barth Edward McNally Memorial Scholarship Jill Eggers-Knight (‘85) and Bruce (‘79) and Diana Bennett Annette Murphy (‘10) Endowment James Knight Carol Blessing-Feussner (‘78) James (‘76) and Penny Nicely Lisa and John McElligott (’74) Denise (‘01) and and John Feussner Jim (‘85) and Sharon Nichols Mark (‘02) Gallegos Mary Jo Bondy (‘93) Jane Nichols-Ecker (‘88) Stead Fellow Rivka Gordon (‘79) and Julie (‘96) and Bill Burfeind Eliot Nottleson (‘99) Susan Blackwell (‘89) and Donnell VanNoppen Terry Carle (‘74) Robert Raff (‘94) Jeffrey Crawford Maura Hertzog (‘88) Patricia Carroll (‘86) Jennifer (‘06) and Kevin Reese Melinda Blazar (‘07) and Karen Hills and Gary James Shalon Chordas-Buchs (‘05) Peggy Robinson (‘92) Jeff Boardman Karen (‘89) and David Hinchen and Curtis Buchs Ellen Seitelman (‘00) and Anne Burr (‘97) John (‘78) and Marion Horn Mary Driebeek (‘84) and Adam Erlich Jay (‘86) and Brigit Carter Rosann Ippolito (‘82) Chuck Hunter Jeff Stajich (‘81) and Patricia McKelvey Dieter Elizabeth (‘76) and Bruce Jobe Sharon Eastman (‘99) Christine Firpo Maria Del Valle-Torres (‘09) Janet (‘96) and Nancy Fecher (‘76) Amanda (‘04) and Bonnie (‘83) and Edward Elam Mostafa Khashab Terry Fuller (‘81) Albert Stieglitz Noel Family Fund Margarita (‘96) and Mike Gale (‘14) April (‘00) and Keith Stouder Angela (‘06) and Bill Richardson Peter Lyons Jim (‘76) and Nancy Hill Steve Tsuchiyama (‘82) Kenda (‘78) and Kenneth Singer Dale (‘73) and Marty McBride Guy (‘89) and Nancy Jackson Deborah Turner (‘92) John (‘68) and Anne McQueary Michele Johnson (‘13) Clara Vanderbilt (‘71) Gwendolyn and Ermelinda Xhemali (‘11) Associate Barbara Jones (‘85) Lloyd Michener Susan (‘91) and Alan Julian Mary Ettari (‘81) *Gifts were contributed between Elmira Powell (‘86) Georgina (‘91) and Lauren (‘82) and Austin Fite March 1, 2016 and February 28, Emily Stachnik (‘09) Michael (‘91) Keene Maggie Gradison and Gary Tiller 2017 Annamarie Streilein (‘95) Leonard (‘79) and Lisa Grubb (‘85) Samuel Watkins (‘86) Corinne Kelly Karri Hoyt (‘03) Ed Wise (‘74) Jim (‘69) and Linda Knight Betsy Melcher (‘05) James (‘78) and Dawn Phares Susan (‘93) and Eric Poncelet Shane Tysinger (‘08) Kathryn Vokaty (‘79) and Stuart McCracken Jennifer (‘74) and Sandy Williams

31 Physician Assistant Alumni Association Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Durham, NC Physician Assistant Program Permit #60 DUMC 104780 - Durham, NC 27710

The Duke Physician Assistant Program’s mission is to educate caring, competent primary care physician assistants who practice evidence-based medicine, are leaders in the profession, dedicated to their communities, culturally sensitive, and devoted to positive transformation of the health care system. Let Us Hear From You! Alumni are interested in hearing from you! Send us a note about your professional activities, any “demographic” changes (marriage, children, moves), honors, newspaper articles or anything else you would like to share.

Please send your note to: Jennifer Pennington Dept. of CFM - DUMC 104780 Durham, North Carolina 27710 [email protected]

Adele Claire Herrmann, daughter of Valerie Schaffer (’00) and Tara Herrmann (’10), cheers for the Lady Blue Devils at a recent game.

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